CentraState - Healthy Directions

Getting Back to You When many people think about physical therapy, they think about rehabilitation for knee, shoulder, or back injuries. However, pelvic floor muscles can also benefit from physical therapy. CentraState Healthcare System’s pelvic floor program offers the services needed to help patients regain muscle strength. Both men and women are affected by conditions that weaken the pelvic floor muscles. In some instances, surgical procedures can result in muscle weakness, while the aging process and incontinence are also contributing factors. Some women experience a decrease in muscle strength due to childbirth. Symptoms of pelvic floor disorder may include difficulty with bowel movements or urination, and/or a feeling of pressure or fullness in the pelvic area. If you feel you may have a pelvic floor disorder, your doctor may perform a pelvic exam to determine your condition. CentraState’s pelvic floor program focuses on meeting the needs of each patient through the use of several treatment techniques, including: • Biofeedback/surface electromyography (EMG) and real-time ultrasound: According to Marinelle Japzon, physical therapist at CentraState, patients can have difficulty performing pelvic floor exercises because they have trouble visualizing the muscles they need to target. With biofeedback/surface EMG or real-time ultrasound imaging, patients see when they are moving the appropriate muscles. When muscles are used correctly, patients can recognize how to perform their exercises properly at home. • Patient education: Patient education is an essential part of treating any condition. In the pelvic floor program, physical therapists work with each patient to teach strategies that promote pelvic muscle health, such as breathing and relaxation techniques. • Pelvic floor exercises: Pelvic floor exercises target the weakened muscles and build stronger muscles, resulting in better control of the pelvic muscles. “When people have dysfunction in the pelvic floor, it’s normally because it has been overstretched or traumatized,” says Brian Mason, DPT, clinical director, Rehabilitation Services at CentraState. “Many times treatment comes down to very straightforward pelvic floor exercises specifically designed for patients to reactivate those muscles.” Making the Change The pelvic floor program has two physical therapists dedicated to providing exceptional care to every patient. After being referred by a physician, a patient will undergo a thorough assessment. From the assessment results, therapists create a customized and comprehensive treatment plan. “If patients are experiencing pelvic floor weakness, this program can help them take control of their health,” Japzon says. “What I hope for as a physical therapist is that patients come away from our program with the confidence that their conditions can improve.” To learn more about rehabilitation services offered by CentraState, including the pelvic floor program, call (866) CENTRA7 (866-236-8727). HD

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